Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Monday, December 3, 2018 Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Will Haynie, Chair; Bob Brimmer, Joe Bustos Kevin Cunnane Staff Present: Brad Morrison, Eric DeMoura, Paul Lykins Mayor Haynie called the meeting to order at 2:36 p.m. 1. Approval of Minutes from the November 5, 2018 meeting Mr. Bustos moved for approval of the minutes; motion seconded by Mr. Brimmer. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments Catherine Barnard, 1300 Hermit Crab Way, expressed opposition to Alternatives 5a and 7a stating that she is in favor of Alternative 1 because of the safety, history, money already spent, community and environmental impact and asked Council to aggressively fight for Alternative 1. Mayor Haynie stated that the URL for the SC 41 Project was www.hwy41sc.com and that Cal Oyer’s, Charleston County Transportation, contact information is available, commenting that the Town is not the ultimate authority but it helps to register this information with the people who are tasked with putting this project together. Mary Horres, 3224 Pignatelli Crescent, expressed opposition to Alternatives 5a and 7a and stating that she hopes that the legal findings can establish what influence residents can have through Town Council. Anna Allen, 3607 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, expressed favor to Alternative 1 and opposition to the other alternatives.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 2 of 21 Pat Sullivan, 1002 Plantation Lane, stated that currently traffic is backed up from US 17 to Whipple Road during rush hour and that when Lucy Beckham High School opens, traffic is going to become worse suggesting that solutions need to be identified before the new high school opens. Highway 41 used to be for commerce that transitioned to plantations, the Phillips community and small houses. Large developments brought hundreds of residents and cars creating traffic issues. Council should reconsider saying yes to anymore development on Highway 41 because each time another house is built you are increasing traffic. Mr. Cunnane commented that Berkeley County is adding houses on the other side of the bridge and that the Town has no control over their developments. Andrea McManus, 3325 Stockdale Street, stated that residents have been working with Crescent Homes to plant Palm trees along Stockdale Street to beautify the area and for safety reasons. The plans submitted were denied because trees cannot be planted in swales, but residents believe that the denial is also because of the Town wanting to widen the street in the future. Residents are asking the Committee to accept Crescent Homes proposal to plant palm trees on Stockdale Street. Sunny Lester, 3353 Stockdale Street, expressed concern for the safety of the residents due to speeding and that it is not possible to widen the street. Stockdale Street was rezoned from commercial to residential and it is not fair for residents to have a four-lane road in front of their houses. Mayor Haynie stated to Ms. Lester that the Town is working to address the traffic issues in the area. Ms. Lester stated that there were no talks about a four (4) lane road. Tom Parry, 3267 John Bartram Place, expressed concern over the traffic problem coming from Park West Boulevard to Center Park South into Foxmoor and Churchill stating that a traffic analysis had been performed and vehicles are traveling over the speed limit and the residents have worked as a neighborhood to get speed humps. The problem is getting worse and residents are looking for some support to get some permanent solutions such  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 3 of 21 as enforceable no pass-through signs from the roundabout. The problem needs to be addressed soon. Rich Gritzuk, 3274 John Bartram, stated that the neighborhood is not quiet anymore and cars are cutting though at a high rate of speed suggesting that stop signs be installed at every major intersection as a solution. Carrie Johnson, 1188 Willoughby Lane, stated that her son attends Cairo Middle school and that Foxmoor and Churchill Park are not provided a bus by Durham because they live close to the school and that he is no longer able to ride his bike to school due to speeding vehicles and asked for no cut through signs to be installed in front of Central Park South and three way stop signs be installed at the intersections of at the corner of Clarendon Way and Willoughby Lane and Thayer and Willoughby Lane. 3. Discussion on Old Village Historic District residential parking permit program Mayor Haynie stated that the agenda item is a continuation of discussion from the November 5, 2018, Transportation Committee meeting, stating that the Old Village Historic District (OVHD) has some significant parking issues caused by the booming food and beverage industry at Shem Creek and that staff was tasked with exploring if a parking permit system could work. Mr. Morrison stated that a detailed memo was provided to the Committee outlining the issues involved with a potential decal type program like downtown Charleston, explaining that most of the roads in the Old Village area are owned by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT or DOT) and any program would need to be approved by the DOT with enforcement being completely upon the Town. While there may be some in- pavement parking at certain locations, most of the parking would consist of shoulder parking that would be required to have signage to delineate the parking zones. He noted that parking for specific properties cannot be delineated for its residents. The issue would be up to the Committee to decide if the program is for residents only or if part time parking would be allowed. The program would have an additional expense in the right-of-way if shoulders are paved and additional signage would be added. More research  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 4 of 21 is needed for additional enforcement and an adjudication process will be needed. The program would have to consider many different situations such as single family, multi-family, rentals, contractor and visitor parking and how those types of situations are handled if a decal program is in place. Staff found through discussions with other municipalities the approach would have to be an all or nothing approach because of the enforcement expectation. To accomplish that, the extent of the issue would need to be defined and what areas are feeling the pressure. If only additional signage is installed without enforcement, effectiveness quickly decreases. If the Committee did want to pursue the decal program more research would be needed to identify where the problem is and how much of the problem would need to be addressed geographically. The Town would receive feedback from the DOT on what would be allowed in the program and what additional resources are needed. Mr. Bustos stated that near Shem Creek in the Haddrell Street, Church Street, Hibben Street and Venning Street areas, parking has increased and on Sundays with the addition of more parking for churches located within the Old Village area and with Shem Creek opening and with residents trying to get to their houses, a solution needs to be identified. Parking tickets are ineffective, towing cars is not an option because there is no space to tow them to and the parking garage is too expensive and the solution to the issue may take some time to identify. Mr. Cunnane stated that he is not in favor of issuing parking tickets and asked if another alternative may include Shem Creek restaurants and bars contracting with Charleston County School District (CCSD) for use of the Moultrie Middle School parking lot for patrons to park and utilize a shuttle system. Another problem with a parking permit system is that I’On has complaints about their parking situation and will be wanting to implement a decal system. If a residential parking permit program were adopted, we would need to have a system on how a neighborhood can join. Mr. DeMoura agreed with Mr. Bustos that defined parking for residential only has a lot of questions that need to be answered, stating that more time is needed to develop the concept and agreed that Sundays create a parking  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 5 of 21 supply problem. Maybe supply possibilities could be explored to make arrangements with private businesses that are closed on Sundays. Mr. Bustos stated that the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) does a good job with helping drivers get out and use parking at Moultrie Middle School, but after the church service is finished the parking lot is empty. He has talked before about a shuttle that would run a loop on Coleman Boulevard commenting that the owner of the Moultrie Shopping Center has always been generous with letting boaters and people park there. Perhaps even a lower cost parking lot that is connected by a shuttle on Coleman Boulevard would help. Again, it is the weekend that it is mostly at issue. Mr. Brimmer commented that everyone agrees that there are too many cars and too small space and whatever options can be identified to bring less cars into that space and still get patrons to the businesses is the way to go. He agreed that a shuttle is a good opportunity to examine. There are other areas that, at certain times of the week, have tremendous amounts of traffic too and the Town does not have the facilities to park all the cars and when we make it easier for people to choose an alternative transportation than it is to find a space, then we have something. Mayor Haynie stated that the discussion originated by residents, especially ones that live closer to Shem Creek, that hospitality workers were parking on their residential street and in one instance, on Patjens Lane, there is one homeowner who does not have a driveway or private parking. If commercial parking is allowed and a twenty-five (25) room inn proposed across the street and guests are allowed to park there, we would have a resident driving home to a permitted house and nowhere to park and access her home and a shuttle is not going to benefit her. Referring to the graphic, Mayor Haynie asked if the first bullet point relating to determining the extent of problem could be examined and staff provide the Committee some guidance on the issue. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative, stating that staff would perform a limited supply study to identify where the pressure is in order to develop proposed solutions.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 6 of 21 Mayor Haynie stated that it is common for historic districts to have sticker parking and it is not just suggested, it must be enforced. There is increased use of the Pitt Street Bridge and Alhambra Hall for recreation, but we are not getting as many complaints from citizens living in those areas. Most complaints come from Shem Creek, but as our population grows, the Pitt Street Bridge and Alhambra Hall will probably be more heavily used, asking if staff can identify the extent of commercial parking issues in the residential areas. Residents on Church Street expressed that there are golf cart shuttles within a residential district picking up parked patrons to transport them to Red’s Ice House and that is the nature of the problem. Mr. DeMoura asked if staff could have sixty (60) days to develop a more thorough analysis of the choke points in terms of times, areas affected and maybe identify some recommendations for the Committee. Mr. Bustos stated that he feels that every residence should have at least one (1) and perhaps two (2) places where the family and a guest can park and be reasonably assured at least one (1) sufficient space within a reasonable walking distance. 4. Proposed Traffic Calming Program revisions Mr. Morrison stated that the three (3) issues have previously been discussed as protentional revisions for the Traffic Calming Program, including the more recent findings relating to the radar feedback signs. Speed humps are effective on a roadway for reducing the speed throughout the entire section, with an average reduction of speed between three to five (3-5) miles per hour (mph). One of the cons of a speed hump is the concern of delays with emergency response vehicles, with some studies indicating delays anywhere from one to nine point four (1.0-9.4) seconds. The more humps there are in an area, the more delays will accumulate and increase. Mayor Haynie asked if the delay was per hump. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative stating that the delay is dependent upon several factors, including the driver and the vehicle type, but if you had three to four (3-4) speed humps in an area it could result in a fifteen to twenty (15-20) second delay.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 7 of 21 Mr. Cunnane commented that traveling over a speed hump in one (1) second will destroy the truck. Mr. Morrison stated that speed cushions are being installed on Salterbeck Street and allow emergency vehicles to straddle the cushions because the wheel base is large enough to do, whereas a standard passenger vehicle cannot. The cushions create similar speed reductions as speed humps. Cons include that the DOT will not allow the cushions on their roadways. Mayor Haynie asked why the DOT will not allow speed cushions on their roads. Mr. Morrison stated their position is to maintain one standard and that issue would need to be considered when making decisions on future hump installations on SCDOT roads. He noted DOT speed humps are less impactful than the speed humps adopted by the Transportation Committee. Mayor Haynie noted that the older side of town has more SCDOT owned streets than the northern side of town, so speed cushions can be installed on Salterbeck Street and Stockdale Street. Mr. Morrison agreed, stating that the streets are Town-owned, and it is the Committee’s decision. Mayor Haynie commented that speed cushions would reduce speed but provide better safety access. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative. He then stated another proposed revision would be to incorporate radar feedback signs into the program, stating the one (1) year After Study of the pilot program indicates reduced speeds within the Old Village area. This device is most effective when coming from a higher type functional facility into a neighborhood. Staff would recommend installation of the devices on noneligible street sections that are posted at twenty-five (25) mph. These roads are generally coming off a major roads, either collectors or arterial roadways. The last recommendation is procedural to save the applicant time by collecting data to establish eligibility for the traffic calming program before going through the petition process. In summary, the three (3) recommendations to the Committee are to adopt  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 8 of 21 manufactured speed cushions as the standard for the traffic calming program; adopt driver feedback radar signs for ineligible residential streets and to change the work flow order to move data collection before the petition process. Referring to a graphic, Mr. Brimmer asked for clarification that the applicant can be a single citizen to make a request for traffic calming. Mr. Morrison answered in affirmative, stating that typically the applicant forms into a committee of residents interested in advancing the application. Mr. Brimmer stated that he asked for that clarification because of the issue in Foxmoor where some citizens had contacted him and he directed them to the Homeowners Association (HOA) to make the request for the application as opposed to an individual. Mr. Morrison stated that a citizen can make the application, but staff requests an affidavit that the HOA has been notified and is aware of the application. Mr. Cunnane inquired if ambulances have similar wheel bases as firetrucks. Mr. Morrison replied that the apparatus is similar but does not know the exact dimensions. Mr. Cunnane asked if ambulances would be able to navigate the speed cushions. Mr. Morrison explained that the speed cushions could be configured to a specific design to be most effective based on standard widths and the types of vehicles. Mayor Haynie asked if the Committee would like to move forward on the three (3) recommendations. Mr. Bustos moved to adopt manufactured speed cushions as standard for traffic calming program; adopt driver feedback radar signs for ineligible residential streets and change the work flow order to move data collection before the petition phase in the Traffic Calming Program; motion seconded by Mr. Cunnane. Motion carried unanimously.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 9 of 21 5. Evaluation of Long Point Road extension from US 17 to Billy Swails Boulevard Mayor Haynie commented that the Committee meeting is behind schedule and asked that if there is any way to expedite the meeting to do so. Mr. Morrison stated during the June 2018 Transportation Committee meeting, the Committee directed staff to identify a connection between US 17 and Billy Swails Boulevard after the realignment portion of the project was eliminated. He referred to a detailed technical memorandum provided to the Committee and noted that staff utilized guidance for concept development, including use of existing right-of-way as much as possible, minimize, if not eliminate business/residence relocations, minimize disruption to existing and proposed neighborhoods, consider intersection queues and separation distance required between signalized intersections, minimize impacts to environmental features and consideration of traffic operations. Two options were immediately eliminated because the concepts were deemed not feasible, and these were re-alignment of Long Point through either Snee Farm or through the historic portion of Christ Church. He stated that operational analysis was used to define where a connection between US 17 and Billy Swails Boulevard is feasible. He stated that average queueing from adjacent intersections helped define the potential locations along US 17. He referred to a graphic that reflects there is approximately three thousand two hundred (3,200) feet where an intersection could be placed that would not be interfered by an adjacent intersection, and this is approximately one thousand one hundred forty-seven (1,147) feet from Long Point Road approximately eight (800) feet from Hamlin Road. More importantly, the best type of intersection would be a signalized intersection and the restriction in that regard is one-half (.5) mile spacing. This requirement provides a very small window of approximately three hundred fifty (350) feet that could be considered in order to meet the requirement. Two of the three (3) concepts have variations and the first concept attempts to accommodate a full access signalized location near the entrance to the Fulton neighborhood. There are three (3) variations of this concept, utilizing the existing rights-of-way. One variation uses Fulton Hall Lane and roads planned in the approved second  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 10 of 21 phase, which would cause significant disruption to this existing and planned neighborhood. Other variations use Children Road and Frank Bonneau Road. Concept 2 is the original concept for the alignment that would join the roadway alignment being designed through the park system. It utilizes dedicated ROW from the Pinkney Farms subdivision approval as well as portions of the Christ Church property. Concept 3 utilizes Alice Smalls Road or a new alignment through some other less densely populated areas. All three (3) of the alignments are complicated by the fact that Old Georgetown Road is close to US 17, making the tie-in more problematic. The Fulton Site map graphic reflects where Concepts 1 and 3 come through the property and even though the other graphic reflects the area as forested, this is an approved development plan. The final table provides a synopsis of each alignment based on evaluation criteria. The analysis indicates that Concept 2 is the preferred concept. Mr. Bustos questioned if Concept 2 is located where the bank was going to be built. Mr. Morrison explained that the bank location is the adjacent property. Mayor Haynie inquired if Concept 2 would present any problems to Christ Church or to any cemeteries. Mr. Morrison replied in negative stating that staff had initial discussions with Christ Church and the church’s primary concerns are the ability for parishioners to access the road to get to the signal as well as potential impacts to an area used for fellowship events. Concept 2 would not touch the historic structure or the cemetery. Mayor Haynie commented that it did not look like any homes would be affected and no residents would be displaced. Mr. Morrison agreed and added that that there are three (3) properties involved in the alignment; two (2) are owned by Christ Church and one (1) is owned by Mount Pleasant Church of Christ.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 11 of 21 Mr. Brimmer inquired why a road that is two thousand (2,000) feet from Long Point Road is being called Long Point Extension, noting that there is no connection to Long Point Road. Mr. Morrison stated that the name has carried forward and staff will develop a different identifier for the project. Mr. Brimmer stated that for the public’s sake it is important that there is no connection to Long Point Road and it could be confusing. Mr. Cunnane referred to the graphic and stated that there is an opportunity to install a signal at the Boone Hall entrance that would eliminate the access issue of where the police are blocking the lanes for officer’s safety and asked what the cost would be to install a signal at that location regardless of where the road is located. Mr. Morrison asked for clarification that Mr. Cunnane was referring to an independent signal or if this would be incorporated into Concept 2. Mr. Cunnane clarified that it would be independent of an option that did not have a signal. Mr. Morrison explained that the location would have to meet warrants and if the signal was independent of not connecting over to Billy Swails Boulevard, it would not likely meet warrants. From a spacing standpoint, the location is perfect, but how to tie-in to Old Georgetown Road and connecting to Billy Swails becomes problematic. Mr. Cunnane stated that there would need to be a clone of the light on the Old Georgetown Road side so that the leg becomes part of the intersection. Mr. Morrison stated that refined a concept has not been developed and it might need to be considered like a frontage road similar to Houston Northcutt Boulevard. Mr. Cunnane questioned if Concept 2 was chosen, would it be possible to work with Boone Hall Plantation for access to the new intersection that would be created.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 12 of 21 Mr. Morrison replied it may be possible and asked for clarification that Mr. Cunnane was referring to event type access. Mr. Cunnane replied in the affirmative. Mr. Morrison replied that it would not be a full median opening because the median will remain in place and the issue would need to be discussed with the DOT about whether it would be permissible. Mr. Cunnane expressed that he would hate to see spending money in the area where major traffic issues occur five to six (5 to 6) weekends a year. Billy Swails Boulevard will help, but at that location maybe we can make a difference and looking into it. Mr. Morrison stated that if staff is directed to proceed with the design of Concept 2, it is possible to discuss a break in the median that could be utilized just for event traffic. The DOT would not permit it to be a full opening, but if it were restricted to those conditions, they may consider it. The Town would also have to have Boone Hall’s cooperation with getting an access at the location. Mayor Haynie questioned if there was a signal at Boone Hall at Fulton Place that could be a separate issue that has nothing to do with which option is selected. Mr. Morrison explained that if the location met warrants in the future, then the spacing is there and a signal could be installed at the connection. Mr. Cunnane asked for clarification that the possibility of installing a signal in front of Boone Hall would be eliminated by selecting the two (2) end options, stating that we would not have to worry about warrants if we put a new road through there. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative, explaining that if a new road were constructed at the entrance and you were able to work out a connection to Billy Swails Boulevard, then there may be enough traffic flow to consider a signal at that location. However, there would be significant friction between that location and Billy Swails Boulevard as far as the routing goes.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 13 of 21 Mr. Cunnane stated that there could be two (2) one-way streets with one (1) entering and one (1) exiting. Mr. Morrison asked for clarification that Mr. Cunnane was referring to utilizing using one (1) of the three (3) alignments for Concept 1. Mr. Cunnane replied using two (2) of the three (3) alignments with one (1) for eastbound traffic and one (1) for westbound traffic. Mr. Morrison explained that the alignments would still have to meet at one point. Mr. Cunnane asked if the alignments would meet at the signal. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative, explaining that you would still need to cross Old Georgetown Road and that is problematic because of proximity. Mayor Haynie asked if staff needed a motion from the Committee for the preferred concept. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative, stating that if the Committee is comfortable, staff would proceed with the design on that portion of the roadway. Mr. Brimmer asked if staff had a recommendation for the alignment. Mr. DeMoura replied in the affirmative stating that Concept 2 is the preferred alignment. Mr. Brimmer moved to approve Concept 2 for staff to proceed with design of Long Point Road Extension from US 17 to Billy Swails Boulevard; motion seconded by Mr. Bustos. Mr. Cunnane stated that he would be opposing Concept 2 because the Committee should not be ignoring the Boone Hall entrance problem because it affects too much of the Town too frequently to design a major project and not include that issue. Mayor Haynie called for a vote to approve Concept 2 for the currently named Long Point Road Extension.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 14 of 21 Mayor Haynie, Mr. Bustos and Mr. Brimmer were in favor and Mr. Cunnane was opposed. Motion carries 3-1. Mayor Haynie inquired if the project moves to the conceptual design phase or if it would need to be presented to full Council at the December 11, 2018, meeting. Mr. DeMoura replied in the negative, stating that the concept is approved at the Committee level and with the decision staff will proceed with the design for the entire project. Mayor Haynie emphasized that this project does not include realignment through Boone Hall, stating that the realignment portion of the project had been eliminated. 6. SC 41 project updates (interim improvements, Bessemer improvements, staff legal findings) Mr. Morrison stated that Mayor Haynie has been directly involved with the project and currently the emphasis is on interim improvements for SC 41 to add a southbound lane from Joe Rouse Road to US 17, to include lane improvements at US 17. The County is aware of the Committee’s desire for interim improvements and is discussing internally how to accomplish that as quickly as possible. Mayor Haynie stated that the County is aware of the desire for interim improvements and three (3) stakeholders attended the stakeholder meeting and he feels that it is important to memorialize the desire in a letter to the Chairman of County Council. While the County is going through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, there are interim measures that can be done now, such as constructing one (1) lane and possibly two (2) lanes from below Phillips Community to US 17. Mr. Cunnane moved to memorialize the desire for interim improvements in a letter to the Chairman of County Council; seconded by Mr. Bustos. Mayor Haynie asked the Committee if they would like to read the draft, stating that the draft indicates how the Committee voted for the County to proceed with the interim improvements.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 15 of 21 Mr. Brimmer stated that it would be beneficial for Council to read the letter. Mayor Haynie agreed and called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Morrison stated that traffic analysis was performed on Bessemer Road and staff determined that, with the addition of the southbound lane, there is no need for the Bessemer Road improvements as the additional lane creates enough capacity to service the vehicle on Bessemer Road. The simulations indicate that the current average queue length of about seven hundred (700) feet reduces to approximately two hundred sixty (260) feet with the lane addition. Mr. Cunnane had previously noted the potential need for Bessemer improvements and staff was directed to explore every opportunity at that location. In addition to not needing the improvement, other issues would have become problematic in expanding the right-of-way on Bessemer Road. Mr. Cunnane asked for clarification that the downstream improvements will improve Bessemer Road. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative, stating that is what the simulations indicate. David Pagliarini, Town of Mount Pleasant Corporation Counsel, stated that alignments that are available were reviewed at the November 2018 Transportation Committee meeting and as requested by the Committee, the Charleston County Legal Department has been contacted. Both the Chief Counselor at Charleston County and another county attorney referred by Charleston County Engineering were contacted, but no response was received. A response was received from a junior member of the Charleston County legal team and they indicated the project has not been reviewed for roadway acquisition in any capacity as far as any of the alignments. There are no findings and no analysis from their department as to the legality of acquiring right-of-way and nor has a right-of-way contractor been retained by the County for review of the preliminary plans. The legal issue is referred to as Prior Public Use doctrine and this is what Mayor Haynie was referencing at the November 2018 Transportation Committee meeting relating to consent and modification of Town right-of-way. It is the opinion of Town Legal  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 16 of 21 Counsel the project is a County project and they do have imminent domain authority. The County may exercise the power of imminent domain for County purposes except when the land concerned is devoted to public use (Section 4-9-30), which has been defined by the Supreme Court as actually used and operated by the public, which would include public right-of-way. It is the opinion of Town Legal Counsel that any right-of-way currently owned and/or utilized by the Town of Mount Pleasant may not be utilized by the County for this project unless granted authority or permission by the Town. Mayor Haynie stated that for members of the audience that were present to speak on the options of the SC 41 improvements, the Committee and Council unanimously voted against Option 7. The question was how binding is local consent if the Committee voted not to allow a certain option or to not endorse a certain option and could the County override the Committee’s vote if the roads were Town-owned. Mayor Haynie questioned if the roads were Town-owned. Mr. Pagliarini replied that portions of the project alignments are Town- owned. Mayor Haynie asked if the County could take a stance that they did not care how the Committee voted and decide to condemn land to construct roadways through Bessemer Road, Park West Boulevard, and any other Town-owned road and questioned if SC 41 was a State-owned road. Mr. Pagliarini answered in the affirmative that SC 41 was a State-owned road. Mayor Haynie asked if the same local consent laws apply to SC 41. Mr. Pagliarini explained that on a State road it is different because the DOT has different authority and sometimes there are State road projects that are assigned down, and the Town has condemned properties and performed work on State roads with their authority. The State does have the authority if it is a municipal road and we do not consent, to condemn it. The Town would take the same position if it is the County funding and operating the project, that the County does not have authority to interfere with Town roads, if that is what Council wished to do.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 17 of 21 Mr. Brimmer asked for clarification that Mr. Pagliarini reached out to the County’s legal department discuss the County’s position on the issues and the only response was from a junior member of their legal team and that the chief counselor Mr. Pagliarini tried to contact did not respond. Mr. Pagliarini replied in the affirmative. Mr. Brimmer asked for clarification that there were no conversations with them on their positions of these issues. Mr. Pagliarini replied only with the attorney that returned his call, who was unfamiliar with the project. Mr. Brimmer stated that what Mr. Pagliarini explained to the Committee is the Town’s position and questioned if the County could have a different interpretation. Mr. Pagliarini replied that it is possible, but the issue is statutory law and not complicated. Mr. Brimmer stated that Town residents, which are also County residents, deserve to know what the County’s position is on something as important as this and to not have calls returned is not acceptable. Mr. Pagliarini stated that the call was returned. Mr. Brimmer stated that the call was not returned by the persons that Mr. Pagliarini was attempting to contact and asked Mayor Haynie if it would be appropriate for, under his signature, compose correspondence to the County requesting a meeting to discuss and have some clarity from the County’s position, because it is critical for some of these alternatives. Mayor Haynie asked if we could just add that to the letter that we are sending and say we have a question about local consent. Mr. Cunnane moved to amend the previous motion to memorialize the desire for interim improvements in a letter to the Chairman of County Council to include a legal inquiry on the County’s position on local consent; seconded by Mr. Bustos. Motion carried unanimously.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 18 of 21 Mr. Bustos moved to approve the letter to the Chairman of County Council as amended; motion seconded by Mr. Cunnane. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Haynie stated that, in addition to the Chairman of County Council, all of County Council or at least the three (3) East Cooper representatives, who were very responsive at the stakeholder meeting, should be copied on the letter. Mr. Cunnane inquired if there was anything to report on the Faison Road option in the back of Park West to relieve traffic congestion. Mr. Morrison stated that the option has been recognized in the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) as a potential connection. The area is outside the scope of the County’s SC 41 project and any connection should be considered within the Town’s CIP. Council will have to make a determination as to what is the benefit of the connection compared to other project needs. There is also the issue of access to the County’s property to make that connection. The option is being considered to include it the LRTP as a connection. Mr. Cunnane stated that he was thinking about it in terms of the five (5) years of construction and that it would be good move sooner rather than later and the Stockdale Street residents would have less traffic because it would create another way for traffic to go. He asked the Committee if there would be any interest in the letter about Alternative 7a to mention Alternative 5a and that we oppose it also. Mayor Haynie said that the Committee would have to look at those at the next meeting and if we chose to vote, we can. Mr. Cunnane asked if that could be placed on the Council agenda. Mayor Haynie asked for clarification that Mr. Cunnane was referring to the Tuesday, December 11, 2018, Council Meeting. Mr. Cunnane replied in the affirmative, noting that the meeting is being held at the Park West Gym in the area being discussed. Mayor Haynie asked staff can provide a graphic showing the alternatives.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 19 of 21 Mr. Morrison stated there is a graphic explaining that Alternative 5a and 7a are very similar in the concept. Mayor Haynie stated his only concern is that the project is in the NEPA process and they need to have alternatives to evaluate. If all alternatives are eliminated, he is unsure how that affects the NEPA process which, might end up with the Town not receiving any Highway 41 improvements. Mr. Cunnane stated that we are not doing the evaluation and that the County is sending it to the Corps of Engineers. A resident expressed that the powerline option is absurd because if there were an evacuation and there was a wind condition, there would be powerlines down on the main way out of town and that is an issue that needs to be considered. Evacuation situations and safety of the children are issues that the County is not going to hear unless we send it to them. Mr. Brimmer stated that there have been a lot of valid concerns raised by residents, but this process needs to proceed because failure to do that could jeopardize or cause more problems in the future. It is good for all feedback to go to the project team, but he would be hesitant to eliminating options because it could be perceived as interference in the NEPA process and we certainly do not want to have to defend that during the process. The process should play out the way it needs to for legitimacy sake and residents should remain actively involved in passing feedback and ideas to the project team. There will be several more opportunities for public comment and the project team has already used public comment to modify their plans. Mr. Cunnane stated that the same thing could be said about the original motion in June where we voted against Alternative 7 and the County somewhat listened, but then they came back with two (2) more absurd things in their place asking if the Committee minutes, especially the public comments, could be sent by the Town to the County. Mayor Haynie replied in the affirmative. Mr. Cunnane moved to send all the public comments that have been received relating to SC 41 Widening project in the Transportation Committee and the Town Council meeting to the project team to include the minutes from the  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 20 of 21 December 3, 2018 Transportation Committee meeting; motion seconded by Mr. Bustos. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bustos stated that this stemmed from the half cent sales tax when the County asked Town Council to encourage residents to endorse the half cent sales tax because this is what they were going to do for the Town and that process has not been beneficial. He has always advocated that Mount Pleasant should be the master of their own destiny and hopes the next time the County is wanting a tax increase, that we will remember this because it has created a layer between us and who is going to fund this project, and that has hurt Mount Pleasant because now the Town is having to go to the County instead of making its own decisions. 7. Update – ongoing projects Mr. Lykins stated that a Public Information Meeting is scheduled for All American Boulevard on December 18, 2018 at The Church at LifePark. 8. Discussion regarding the acceptance of public rights of way Mr. Pagliarini stated that there will be a resolution at the Council meeting to take control of rights-of-way that were not properly platted and approved and need to be accepted by the Town. Transportation had concerns over right-of-way in Carolina Park and other areas and staff would be asking Council to accept those roads into our system. Mayor Haynie inquired if that is something that the Town would want to do. Mr. Pagliarini replied in the affirmative. Mr. Morrison stated that the rights-of-way were intended to be public roads. Mayor Haynie stated that other issues that were not on the agenda cannot be discussed or voted on relating to issues in Park West, but can be followed up with at the next Transportation Committee meeting. 9. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Cathy Godsey  Transportation Committee Minutes December 3, 2018 Page 21 of 21 December 6, 2018  Mount Pleasant Transportation Committee December 3,  3. Discussion on Old Village Historic District residential parking permit program  3. Old Village Historic District Parking • Most roads in the Old Village area owned and maintained by SCDOT • Existing roadways restrict delineation of parking zones to signage only • Cannot delineate spaces for specific properties and may require removal of parking pads in the right-of-way if shoulders are paved • Number of signs would significantly increase • More research needed on additional enforcement staff • Ticketing and adjudication process is needed • Program must consider differing situations such as single family, multi- family, short term rentals, contractor and visitor parking TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  3. Old Village Historic District Parking • All or nothing approach recommended. • Best approach dictated by extent of problem • “Resident Only Parking” signage with self-enforcement ineffective. The following additional actions recommended if program pursued: • Determine extent of problem to develop refined understanding of zones • Develop a conceptual plan to submit to SCDOT for review • Determine additional resources required to effectively enforce TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. 4. Proposed Traffic Calming Program revisions  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions • Speed Hump vs. Speed Cushions • Driver Feedback Radar Signs • Work Flow order TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions Speed Hump Pros • Proven and continued effectiveness at reducing speeds throughout the road section • Average reduction in speed of 3 to 5 MPH Speed Hump Cons • Some studies have noted between 1.0 and 9.4 seconds of delay for emergency vehicles per speed hump TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions Speed Cushion Pros • Emergency vehicles experience reduced response times compared to speed humps • Cushions continue to impede most passenger vehicles • Speed reductions similar to humps Speed Cushion Cons • SCDOT will not allow speed cushions on their roadways. • Emergency vehicles may cross the center line depending on lane width and configuration • Cost slightly more than the traditional speed humps. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions • Use ONLY on ineligible residential street sections with 25 mph limit TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions Proposed revised work flow order for program guidelines 1. Application: Citizen 2. Collection of speed data: Qualifying speed at 85th %tile > 30mph, Staff 3. Petition: Developed by Staff, canvas for signature, Applicant 4. Traffic calming measure layout, Staff 5. Collection of consent signatures for location of traffic calming measures, Applicant 6. Presentation of qualified traffic calming measures to Committee, Staff 7. Encroachment Permits, state streets only, Staff 8. Construction of approved traffic calming measures, Staff TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  4. Traffic Calming Program Revisions • Recommendations • Adopt manufactured speed cushions as standard for traffic calming program • Adopt driver feedback radar signs for ineligible residential streets • Change work flow order to move data collection before petition TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. 5. Evaluation of Long Point Road Extension from US 17 to Billy Swails Boulevard  5. Long Point Road Extension • Review US 17 to Billy Swails Boulevard Connection • Evaluation guidance • Use existing rights-of-way (ROW • Minimize business/residence relocations • Minimize disruption to existing and proposed neighborhoods • Consider intersection queues and separation distance required between signalized intersections • Minimize impacts to environmental features • Traffic operations • Two options deemed infeasible TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  5. Long Point Road Extension TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  5. Long Point Road Extension TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  5. Long Point Road Extension TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  5. Long Point Road Extension TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. 6. SC 41 Project Update  6. SC 41 Project Update • Interim Improvements • Addition of SC 41 southbound lane from Joe Rouse to US 17 • Lane modifications at US 17 • Bessemer Improvements • Legal findings • Modification of Town roads • Local consent TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. 7. Update - Ongoing Projects  7. Project Updates - Construction • Coleman Boulevard Revitalization TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates - Design • Long Point Road Extension • Coleman Boulevard and Patriot’s Point Intersection Improvements • Billy Swails Boulevard Phase 4B • Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes • Park West Boulevard Widening • All American Boulevard Extension • Maritime Port District Improvements • Park West Boulevard and Stockdale Street Improvements TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Coleman Boulevard Revitalization Contractor: Blythe Development Start Date: September 11, 2017 Completion Date: December 27, 2019 Status: • Stage 1 Westbound – Temporary paving on Coleman westbound lanes is complete. All drainage, sidewalk and curb is complete. Lighting and landscaping is complete. • Stage 2 Eastbound - Traffic control shift was completed on October 17. Contractor making excellent progress on this side of Coleman installing storm drainage pipe. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Coleman Boulevard Revitalization Project Progress as of November 30, 2018 •5000 Feet of Storm Drain • 2,000 Feet of Lighting and Irrigation Conduits •55 Drainage Structures • Simmons Street Force Main Relocation •3 Water Quality Treatment Devices • Simmons Street Gravity Sewer Relocation •3,700 Feet of Curb and Gutter • Simmons Street Gravity Sewer Repair •3,500 Feet of Sidewalk • Simmons Street Paving • Fairmont Avenue Force Main Relocation • 2,400 Feet of New Waterline on Coleman • 3 Waterline Relocations Completed TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Coleman Boulevard Revitalization TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Long Point Road Extension Project Cost Estimate: • $16,810,000 Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Designer: JMT Completion Date: • Design: September 2019 • Construction: September 2022 Status: • Currently analyzing alignment alternatives between US 17 and Billy Swails Blvd. per Council direction. Report of these alternatives in December. • Design of road between Billy Swails Blvd. and Rifle Range Road is ongoing. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Long Point Road Extension TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Patriot’s Point Gateway Intersection Improvements Project Cost Estimate: • $6,765,800 Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Designer: STV Incorporated Completion Date: • Design and Permitting: June 2019 • Construction: December 2019 - June 2021 Status: • Utility coordination is ongoing. Consultant working DE for 11 ft. lanes. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Patriot’s Point Gateway Intersection Improvements TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Billy Swails Boulevard 4B Project Cost Estimate: • $12,568,497 ($2,568,497 TOMP and $10,000,000 Federal) Designer: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Completion Date: • Design: August 2020 • Construction: August 2022 Status: • Currently, several alignment alternatives are being reviewed through the NEPA process. Wetlands have been delineated and most field work has been completed. Traffic study is completed in a draft format and will be finalized when the preferred alignment is selected. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Billy Swails Boulevard 4B TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes Project Cost Estimate: • $791,000 ($158,000 TOMP and $633,000 Federal) Consultant: CDM Smith Completion Date: • Design: January 2019 • Construction: December 2019 Status: • Held public information meeting. Currently developing preliminary plans and awaiting SCDOT approval of Project Planning Report. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Park West Boulevard Widening Project Cost Estimate: • $8,517,445 – Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: Mead and Hunt Completion Date: • Design: December 2018 – Construction: June 2021 Status: • The roundabout design has been revised to delete additional ROW needs from Foxmoor HOA property. Utility coordination and engineering is ongoing. • Final design to be completed in December. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Park West Boulevard Widening TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates All American Boulevard Extension Project Cost Estimate: • $5,171,000 – Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: Mead and Hunt Completion Date: • Design: March 2018 - December 2019 • Construction: March 2020 – December 2021 Status: • Designer is currently working on alignment alternatives. • Wetlands have been delineated. • Phase 1 designer under contract for plan revisions and right of way acquisition for that phase. • PIM scheduled for December 18. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates All American Boulevard Extension TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Maritime Port District Improvements Study Project Cost Estimate: • $163,458 for concept study – $1,500,000 funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: CDM Smith Completion Date: • Concept Study: August 2018 - January 2019 • Construction: NA Status: • Field Surveys are underway. Traffic field work completed. • Meetings with SCSPA and other stakeholders are planned. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Maritime Port District Improvements Study TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Park West Boulevard and Stockdale Street Improvements Project Cost Estimate: • Concept Design: $200,000 Consultant: Mead and Hunt Completion Date: • Concept Study: November 2018 - February 2019 • Construction: NA Status: • Intersection concept study is underway. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Park West Boulevard and Stockdale Street Improvements TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Transportation Sales Tax (TST) Projects •Park West Boulevard sidewalk from Stockdale Street to the recreation complex is complete. •Anna Knapp Boulevard sidewalk from Johnnie Dodds Boulevard to Hibben Ferry is complete. •Belle Hall Parkway and Paul Foster Mini Roundabout under design. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  7. Project Updates Charleston Transportation Committee (CTC) Projects •Pelzer Drive sidewalk is complete •Lansing Drive sidewalk project is currently under design. •Seacoast Parkway sidewalk project is currently in design and additional right of way needs are being evaluated. •Cottingham Drive sidewalk design to be funded next year. TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  8. Discussion regarding the acceptance of public rights of way  8. Acceptance of Public Rights of Way • Carolina Park • Darrell Creek • Park West • Mallard Lakes • Hunters Run TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  8. Acceptance of Public Rights of Way TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.